Nutrition Myths Busted By Contract Food Service Company

We’ve all heard some of the most common myths about food nutrition over the years – eggs are bad for the heart, eating at night makes you gain weight, etc. How can you separate fact from fiction? As a trusted contract food service company in Atlanta, we’ve busted a few of the most common nutrition myths below.

Foods that are cholesterol-free are good for the heart. The fact is, lots of foods on store shelves claim to be cholesterol-free, but it’s the saturated and trans fats that clog arteries. The best way to know if a food’s healthy is to check the ingredients and nutrition facts. You’re looking for trans and saturated fats, which are in many cookies, margarine, and other products claiming to be cholesterol-free. To ensure a healthy heart, load up on nuts, seeds, vegetables, fruits, beans, and whole grains.

Eat lots of fish to get those all important omega-3 healthy fats! While certain types of fish are loaded with omega-3 fatty acids, what many people don’t realize is that in addition to the fatty acids DHA and EPA, another important fatty acid is ALA which helps reduce the risk of fatal ischemic heart disease. This omega-3 fatty acid is found in plant foods such as walnuts, soybeans, flaxseed, and more. Fish are great, but be sure to include plant-based omega-3 fats in your diet!

Are eggs really bad for your heart? Yes – and no. The yolk of an egg is where the cholesterol is and while cholesterol is known to clog arteries, again, it’s the saturated and trans fats that really impact blood cholesterol in the body. Eggs contain no trans fats, and one large egg has only about 10% of the daily value of saturated fat at 2 grams.

Be sure to gulp those 8 glasses of water every day. Total myth, however, water is important – but you don’t need to measure it. In most cases people’s thirst will supply them with all the water they need. Water is also in juices, milk, sodas, and even tea, coffee, and other caffeinated beverages. The Institute of Medicine of the National Academies claims the substantial amount of water in tea and coffee compensate for the dehydrating effects of caffeine, which were over-exaggerated to begin with. Some foods even contribute to water intake, including pasta and rice, which absorb water when being cooked. The bottom line? Only drink extra water during and following intense exercise; other than that, have some water when you’re thirsty.